FAIRFIELD, Conn. The heat wave that hit Fairfield on Wednesday was predicted to continue through at least Friday afternoon. Residents looking to escape the heat can head to the Fairfield Public Library or one of Fairfields six beaches.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Fairfield County through at least 8 p.m. Thursday. Thursdays high is expected to be close to 97 degrees. The heat will continue into Friday, with a predicted high of about 89.
The Fairfield Public Library is designated as the towns cooling center. Both the Main Library at 1080 Old Post Road and the Fairfield Woods Branch Library at 1147 Fairfield Woods Road are fully air conditioned. They also have bottles of water available for Fairfielders donated by the Friends of the Library.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the Main Library will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the branch will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Both libraries will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Fairfields five coastal beaches and Lake Mohegan were all open for swimming. The Fairfield Health Department will post any closings on its blog each morning. The Parks and Recreation Departments parking rules are full force, so residents will need beach stickers or lake passes to get in without paying visitor fees.
The Fairfield Health Department also offers these tips for dealing with extreme heat:
? If possible, stay indoors and stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to air-conditioned public places such as libraries, the Senior Center, a mall or the movies. Even a few hours in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
? Take a cool shower or bath for relief.
? Drink extra fluids regardless of your activity level. Avoid liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar these cause you to lose more body fluid. Very cold drinks may cause stomach cramps.
? Do not wait until you're thirsty to drink. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on diuretics (water pills) ask your physician how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
? Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. If you have to go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
? Check regularly on infants and young children, people 65 or older, people who have a mental illness and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, as they are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.
? Never leave a child, a high-risk adult or a pet in an unattended car. Even with the windows down, temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly and present a danger.
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